Ultra-trace metals
Quantify metals at ng/L levels in clean solutions.
Useful forHigh-purity water, acids, electronic chemicalsElemental & Composition
ICP-MS
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
ICP-MS measures most elements of the periodic table at trace and ultra-trace levels, down to parts per trillion in clean solutions. It is the method of choice for low-level impurities, heavy metals and isotope ratios.
1 test optionppt to ppb detection limitsMany elements in one runTypical turnaround 5–7 working days
ICP-MS measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is ICP-MS?
In ICP-MS a sample solution is sprayed into an argon plasma at around 6000–8000 K, which atomises and ionises the elements. The ions pass through a pair of cones into a vacuum, where a quadrupole mass filter sorts them by mass-to-charge ratio before a detector counts them.
Because it counts ions rather than measuring light, ICP-MS typically reaches detection limits 10–1000 times lower than ICP-OES and can distinguish isotopes. It tolerates less dissolved material, so samples are usually digested and diluted first.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Sample becomes an aerosol
The digested, diluted solution is nebulised into a fine mist carried by argon.
- 02
Plasma forms ions
An argon plasma at around 7000 K atomises the sample and ionises the elements.
- 03
Quadrupole sorts by mass
Ions enter a vacuum through two cones; the quadrupole passes one mass-to-charge ratio at a time.
- 04
Ions are counted
A detector counts ions at each mass; standards convert counts into concentration.
03 / What it measures
What it measures
Heavy metals & toxic elements
Measure Pb, Cd, As, Hg and similar elements at low limits.
Useful forFood, pharmaceuticals, environmental samplesMulti-element screening
Survey dozens of elements in a single run.
Useful forUnknown samples, geological materialIsotope ratios
Compare the isotopes of one element in a sample.
Useful forTracer studies, geochemistry, source trackingElemental impurities
Check catalyst residues and other impurities against limits.
Useful forAPIs, excipients, nanomaterials04 / Test options
Choose the ICP-MS options you need
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05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Aqueous solutions; solids, soils, tissues and powders for acid digestion
- Quantity
- 10–50 mL of solution, or 0.2–1 g of solid
- Elements
- List elements and expected levels; high-level samples may need dilution
- Containers
- Clean plastic (PP, HDPE or PFA) tubes or bottles
- Use clean plastic containers; avoid glass for trace work
- Acidify water samples if advised (typically with HNO₃)
- Describe the matrix: salts, organics or acids present
- No brines or very high-salt samples without discussing first
- No hydrofluoric acid or undissolved particles in solutions
Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.
06 / Results & turnaround
Results & turnaround
What you receive
- Concentration of each requested element
- Results in µg/L or mg/kg, with detection limits
- Calibration and quality-control recoveries
- Isotope ratios, if requested
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 5–7 working days after samples reach the lab.
Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.
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